Go Back
+ servings
CrockPot Taco Spaghetti

CrockPot Taco Spaghetti: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish

CrockPot Taco Spaghetti is a comforting dish that combines tender spaghetti noodles with zesty taco flavors for a hearty meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 lb lean ground beef Provides protein and heartiness; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Enhances flavor; adjust based on your preference for seasoning.
  • 1 medium red or green bell pepper, diced Adds sweetness and crunch; any color bell pepper works well here.
  • 15 oz crushed tomatoes Acts as the sauce base, providing moisture and acidity; substitute with diced tomatoes if you prefer.
  • 1 cup salsa Incorporates spice and flavor complexity; choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your heat preference.
  • 15 oz canned corn, drained Introduces sweetness and texture; frozen corn can also be used if preferred.
  • 1 package taco seasoning Adds essential spices for that taco flavor; homemade blends are a fantastic alternative.
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth Provides moisture and enhances the sauce flavor; for a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth.
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz spaghetti pasta The main carbohydrate component; substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.
For the Toppings
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Delivers creaminess and richness; swap with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free alternative for different flavors.
  • Fresh minced cilantro for garnish Adds freshness and color; you can omit if you dislike cilantro or have allergies.

Equipment

  • Crockpot

Method
 

Directions
  1. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Use a spatula to break apart the meat as it cooks, ensuring it’s no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste before transferring the meat to the CrockPot.
  2. In your 6-quart slow cooker, add the cooked ground beef along with 1 diced bell pepper, 15 oz of crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup of salsa. Next, stir in the drained corn and 1 package of taco seasoning. Pour in 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, mixing well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly for your CrockPot Taco Spaghetti.
  3. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully, filling your kitchen with inviting Tex-Mex aromas. Check occasionally to ensure everything is well incorporated, but no peeking for the first hour to maintain cooking temperature!
  4. After the initial cooking time, remove the lid and add 12 oz of spaghetti pasta directly into the slow cooker. Stir gently to submerge the pasta, then cover again and cook for an additional 10-20 minutes. Monitor closely until the spaghetti is al dente, which should be slightly firm but cooked through.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Carefully cover the slow cooker and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt perfectly, creating a creamy texture that enhances the richness of your CrockPot Taco Spaghetti.
  6. After the cheese is melted, give everything a good stir to mix it in. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro for a refreshing touch. Enjoy this comforting one-pot meal with a side of garlic bread or a green salad, making it a delightful weeknight dinner everyone will love.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow your CrockPot Taco Spaghetti to cool completely before refrigerating leftovers; this helps maintain flavor and texture for future meals.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!